Psalms 80:12
Psalms 80:12 in Multiple Translations
Why have You broken down its walls, so that all who pass by pick its fruit?
Why hast thou then broken down her hedges, so that all they which pass by the way do pluck her?
Why hast thou broken down its walls, So that all they that pass by the way do pluck it?
Why are its walls broken down by your hands, so that all who go by may take its fruit?
So why have you broken down the walls that protect it so that everyone who passes by can steal its fruit?
Why hast thou then broken downe her hedges, so that all they, which passe by the way, haue plucked her?
Why hast Thou broken down its hedges, And all passing by the way have plucked it?
Why have you broken down its walls, so that all those who pass by the way pluck it?
Why hast thou then broke down her hedges, so that all they who pass by the way do pluck her?
But my people heard not my voice: and Israel hearkened not to me.
So why have you abandoned us and allowed our enemies to tear down our walls [RHQ]? You are like someone who tears down the fences around his vineyard, with the result that all the people who pass by can steal the grapes,
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 80:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 80:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
תְּשַׁלַּ֣ח
קְצִירֶ֣/הָ
עַד
יָ֑ם
וְ/אֶל
נָ֝הָ֗ר
יֽוֹנְקוֹתֶֽי/הָ
תְּשַׁלַּ֣ח
shâlach
H7971
to send
V-Piel-Imperf-3fs
קְצִירֶ֣/הָ
qâtsîyr
H7105
harvest
N-mp | Suff
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
יָ֑ם
yâm
H3220
West
N-ms
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Conj | Prep
נָ֝הָ֗ר
nâhâr
H5104
river
N-ms
יֽוֹנְקוֹתֶֽי/הָ
yôwneqeth
H3127
shoot
N-fp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 80:12
תְּשַׁלַּ֣ח
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
V-Piel-Imperf-3fs
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
קְצִירֶ֣/הָ
qâtsîyr
H7105
"harvest"
N-mp | Suff
This word refers to the harvest or the time of harvest, as well as the reaper or the crop itself. It can also mean a limb or foliage of a tree, emphasizing the idea of growth and abundance. The concept of harvest is central to the biblical narrative, particularly in the book of Ruth.
Definition: 1) harvest, harvesting 1a) process of harvesting 1b) crop, what is harvested or reaped 1c) time of harvest
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: bough, branch, harvest (man). See also: Genesis 8:22; Job 18:16; Psalms 80:12.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
יָ֑ם
yâm
H3220
"West"
N-ms
Refers to a large body of water like the Mediterranean Sea or a sea in general, sometimes specifically the west or seaward direction.
Definition: This name means sea, seaward, westward Another name of eph.ron (עֶפְרוֹן "(Mount )Ephron" H6085H)
Usage: Occurs in 339 OT verses. KJV: sea ([idiom] -faring man, (-shore)), south, west (-ern, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 1:10; Joshua 17:10; Psalms 8:9.
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
נָ֝הָ֗ר
nâhâr
H5104
"river"
N-ms
In the Bible, a river symbolizes prosperity, like the Nile or Euphrates, and is often used figuratively. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing the life-giving waters of the Promised Land. This word is also used to describe underground streams.
Definition: 1) stream, river 1a) stream, river 1b) (underground) streams Aramaic equivalent: ne.har (נְהַר "river" H5103H)
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: flood, river. See also: Genesis 2:10; Psalms 93:3; Psalms 24:2.
יֽוֹנְקוֹתֶֽי/הָ
yôwneqeth
H3127
"shoot"
N-fp | Suff
This word means a young shoot or sprout, like a small branch on a tree. It describes something that is new and growing.
Definition: young plant, twig, young shoot
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: (tender) branch, young twig. See also: Job 8:16; Psalms 80:12; Hosea 14:7.
Study Notes — Psalms 80:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 80:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 80:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 80:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 80:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 80:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 80:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 80:12
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 80:12
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 80:12
- Sermons on Psalms 80:12
Context — Hear Us, O Shepherd of Israel
10The mountains were covered by its shade, and the mighty cedars with its branches.
11It sent out its branches to the Sea, and its shoots toward the River.
12Why have You broken down its walls, so that all who pass by pick its fruit?
13The boar from the forest ravages it, and the creatures of the field feed upon it. 14Return, O God of Hosts, we pray! Look down from heaven and see! Attend to this vine—Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 5:5 | Now I will tell you what I am about to do to My vineyard: I will take away its hedge, and it will be consumed; I will tear down its wall, and it will be trampled. |
| 2 | Psalms 89:40–41 | You have broken down all his walls; You have reduced his strongholds to rubble. All who pass by plunder him; he has become a reproach to his neighbors. |
| 3 | Isaiah 18:5–6 | For before the harvest, when the blossom is gone and the flower becomes a ripening grape, He will cut off the shoots with a pruning knife and remove and discard the branches. They will all be left to the mountain birds of prey, and to the beasts of the land. The birds will feed on them in summer, and all the wild animals in winter. |
| 4 | Nahum 2:2 | For the LORD will restore the splendor of Jacob like the splendor of Israel, though destroyers have laid them waste and ruined the branches of their vine. |
| 5 | Luke 20:16 | He will come and kill those tenants, and will give the vineyard to others.” And when the people heard this, they said, “May such a thing never happen!” |
Psalms 80:12 Summary
This verse is asking why God has allowed the protection around His people to be broken down, leaving them vulnerable to attack and exploitation. It's like a vineyard with broken walls, where anyone can come in and take the fruit. God's people are like a garden that needs walls to protect it, as we see in Song of Solomon 4:12, where the bride is a garden enclosed. The verse is crying out to God to restore the walls and protect His people, so they can once again be fruitful and prosperous, as promised in Psalms 1:3.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the walls in Psalms 80:12?
The walls in this verse likely represent the protection and care that God once provided to His people, much like the walls of a vineyard would protect the fruit from harm, as seen in Isaiah 5:1-7, where God describes His people as a vineyard with a wall around it.
Why would God allow the walls to be broken down?
According to Psalms 80:12, God allowed the walls to be broken down, which has resulted in the fruit being picked by all who pass by, suggesting that God's people have been left vulnerable to attack and exploitation, much like in Jeremiah 12:10, where the Lord's heritage has become a speckled bird attacked by other birds.
What is the fruit that is being picked in this verse?
The fruit in Psalms 80:12 represents the blessings, prosperity, and spiritual vitality of God's people, which are now being taken advantage of by others, as hinted in Deuteronomy 28:33, where it is written that a nation will eat the fruit of the land.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse is part of a larger lament in Psalms 80, where the psalmist is crying out to God to restore His people, who have been devastated and left vulnerable, as described in the surrounding verses, Psalms 80:10-11 and Psalms 80:13-14.
Reflection Questions
- What are the walls in my life that I feel have been broken down, and how can I trust God to restore them?
- In what ways have I allowed the 'fruit' of my life to be picked by others, and how can I reclaim it for God's purposes?
- How can I, like the psalmist, cry out to God to return and restore the vitality of my spiritual life?
- What are the 'boars from the forest' in my life that are ravaging my spiritual growth, and how can I ask God for protection from them?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 80:12
Why hast thou then broken down her hedges,.... After having done all this for her; which signifies the Lord's removing his presence, power, and protection, from Israel; which were the hedge he set
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 80:12
Why hast thou then broken down her hedges, so that all they which pass by the way do pluck her? Why hast thou then broken down her hedges, so that all they which pass by the way do pluck her?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 80:12
Broken down her hedges; taken away thy protection, which was to them for walls and bulwarks. Pluck her; pluck up her grapes and boughs, and strike at her very root.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 80:12
Psalms 80:12 Why hast thou [then] broken down her hedges, so that all they which pass by the way do pluck her?Ver. 12. Why hast thou then broken down her hedges?] i.e. Taken away thy mighty hand hitherto held over her. This befell not till they degenerated into a strange vine, Jeremiah 2:21, and brought forth wild grapes, Isaiah 5:4.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 80:12
(12) Pluck.—For the same image of the broken fence, and the fruit gathered by the passers by, see Psalms 89:40-41.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 80:12
Verse 12. Why hast thou broken down] 7. When a vineyard is planted, it is properly fenced to preserve it from being trodden down, or otherwise injured by beasts, and to protect the fruit from being taken by the unprincipled passenger. So God protected Jerusalem and his temple by his own almighty arm; and none of their enemies could molest them as long as they had that protection. As it was now spoiled, it was a proof that that protection had been withdrawn; therefore the psalmist addresses the Lord with, "Why hast thou broken down her hedges?" Had God continued his protection, Jerusalem would not have been destroyed.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 80:12
12. Why &c.] The question is half expostulation, half inquiry, for Israel’s present plight is a riddle to the Psalmist. hedges] R.V. fences. Vineyards were always carefully fenced to protect them (Isaiah 5:5). Almost the same words recur in Psalms 89:40-41.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 80:12
Why hast thou then broken down her hedges? - Why hast thou dealt with thy people as one would with a vineyard who should break down all its enclosures, and leave it open to wild beasts?
Sermons on Psalms 80:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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When the Walls Come Down by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on what more God can do for his vineyard and his people. He emphasizes that God has already done everything possible to bring ministers and bl |
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Winter Afore Harvest or the Soul's Growth in Grace - Part 4 by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches about the transformative journey of a believer's soul through trials and tribulations, leading to a deep reliance on Christ for all things, the crushing of pr |
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The Soul's Growth in Grace by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches about the spiritual journey of growth in grace, comparing it to the changing seasons in the life of a believer. He emphasizes the importance of experiencing s |
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Winter Afore Harvest or the Soul's Growth in Grace - Part 3 by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot delves into the effects of spiritual struggles and the pruning process in the soul, leading to a deep dissatisfaction with self, weakened zeal, and doubts about one's |